In the 11-year period of 2005 through 2015, canines killed 360 Americans. Pit bulls contributed to 64% (232) of these deaths. Combined, pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 76% of the total recorded deaths. | More »

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Ban Passes 6-0Ridgeland, MS - In a 6-0 vote, the City of Ridgeland, Mississippi (population 21,000) passed an ordinance this week that deems pit bulls and wolf-hybrids "vicious." The new law also limits these dogs (and all dogs deemed "vicious") to one per household. Owners of these dogs must microchip their animal, pay a $100 registration fee, meet other national registration, training and enclosure requirements and consent to unannounced inspections as well.

Under the new law, any dog owner caught unlawfully harboring a banned dog could be fined up to $1,000 and jailed for 90 days. Talk of prohibiting specific dog breeds -- pit bulls and rottweilers -- began last year after resident April Scott complained about a neighbor's dogs. At the time, Gloria Grantham and her husband, Pete, housed four pit bulls, a rottweiler and a Jack Russell terrier. Officials have since ordered the couple to remove three of the dogs.

DogsBite.org praises Mayor Gene McGee, the Board of Aldermen and City Attorney Jerry Mills, who helped create the new law. The ordinance will undoubtedly prevent future victims of serious attacks by these dogs and require existing pit bull owners to be more responsible. The new law takes effect in 30 days. Ridgeland now joins the City of Greenwood, and Leflore and Bolivar counties in passing pit bull laws. View all related Mississippi ordinances: